US6571742B1 - Interactive pet toy - Google Patents
Interactive pet toy Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US6571742B1 US6571742B1 US10/206,645 US20664502A US6571742B1 US 6571742 B1 US6571742 B1 US 6571742B1 US 20664502 A US20664502 A US 20664502A US 6571742 B1 US6571742 B1 US 6571742B1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- pet
- housing
- amusement object
- pet amusement
- toy
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 34
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 42
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 235000013351 cheese Nutrition 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000012190 activator Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000004088 simulation Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 241000699666 Mus <mouse, genus> Species 0.000 description 19
- 241001465754 Metazoa Species 0.000 description 17
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 5
- 241000282326 Felis catus Species 0.000 description 4
- 210000000988 bone and bone Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 241000699670 Mus sp. Species 0.000 description 2
- 241001529733 Nepeta Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000010679 Nepeta cataria Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 2
- ZDKZHVNKFOXMND-UHFFFAOYSA-N epinepetalactone Chemical compound O=C1OC=C(C)C2C1C(C)CC2 ZDKZHVNKFOXMND-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 2
- 241000699800 Cricetinae Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000009328 Perro Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000003466 anti-cipated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000005667 attractant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000031902 chemoattractant activity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000737 periodic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000037081 physical activity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001737 promoting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006748 scratching Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002393 scratching effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000011888 snacks Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; CARE OF BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K15/00—Devices for taming animals, e.g. nose-rings or hobbles; Devices for overturning animals in general; Training or exercising equipment; Covering boxes
- A01K15/02—Training or exercising equipment, e.g. mazes or labyrinths for animals ; Electric shock devices ; Toys specially adapted for animals
- A01K15/025—Toys specially adapted for animals
Definitions
- the present invention is a conversion of a United States Provisional Patent Application, Ser. No. 60/313,178 filed on Aug. 17, 2001.
- the present invention relates generally to animal amusement devices and, more particularly, to a novel interactive toy for pets.
- Such toys include those resembling a fishing pole with a toy-like object carried on the end of a string. These toys can entertain a cat, dog or other pet; however, the pet may realize that its owner is indirectly operating the toy. Once realized, the pet's attention tends to be divided between the toy and the owner.
- Motor powered toys are also known. These toys have a supported toy-like object that is moved mechanically in a manner that may attract the pet. However, this type of device does not promote interaction between the pet and the owner.
- the above games tend to be of a type that may be labeled “pursuit-type” games, in that the toy is moved, either by the owner or a machine, and the pet chases it.
- This type of game depends for its entertainment value on the pet being close enough to success in catching the toy to make the pet attempt to catch it, yet not close enough that it is overly easy.
- Such games often become equated by the pet to the game of “fetch”.
- the new game should provide a structure that promotes a game that is of a type that is more nearly related to the human game of hide-and-seek, or the baby game of peekaboo, and that will capitalize on animals, particularly domestic animals innate interest in hit-and-run and ambush-type games where the hunter is rewarded for his patience.
- the game should be attractive to both young and old pets, and should maximize interaction between the pet and owner, while somewhat downplaying the need for continuous strenuous physical activity on the part of the pet, which may result in lessened interest.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,803,953 issued in the name of Graves discloses a toy for animals which includes a stationary base with a propulsion means for tossing a tethered weighted object a short distance.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,634,435 issued in the name of Udelle et al discloses an animal amusement and exercise stimulator.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,765,508 issued in the name of Markowitz discloses a remotely controlled interactive game between pet and owner.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,875,736 issued in the name of Udelle et al. discloses an animal amusement and exercise stimulator.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,524,326 issued in the name of Markowitz discloses an interactive game between pet and owner being remotely controlled and includes a mechanically movable toy animal.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,782,207 issued in the name of Goodham discloses a pet toy having a toy mouse that is extended from and retracted into a tubular housing.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,794,568 issued in the name of Udelle et al. discloses an animal attractant and scratching device.
- an interactive pet toy comprises an outer housing for holding a toy-like object.
- the toy-like object may be comprised of a plastic mouse or other type of object that would be appealing to an animal.
- the interactive toy includes a means for extending or projecting the object through an opening in the housing at least a short distance outside of the housing. The means is also capable of retracting so that the mouse goes back into the housing, substantially out of the view of the pet.
- the toy can be used in a game between a pet owner and a pet, wherein the pet owner operates the means for extending and retracting the object out of the housing.
- the operator can cause the object to extend out of the housing to catch the pet's attention.
- the operator can alternatively extend and retract the object to engage in play with the pet.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an interactive pet toy according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view top plan view of the housing
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the central region of the support carriage
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention taken along lines IV—IV of FIG. 1 according to the preferred embodiment
- FIG. 5 A is a partial cross-sectional view of the pet amusement object illustrating the sound device housed therein;
- FIG. 5B is a top view of the sound device shown enclosed in the pet amusement object
- FIG. 5C is a bottom view of the sound device shown in FIG. 5B;
- FIG. 5D is a bottom view of the housing illustrating speaker holes according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 illustrates a first alternate embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 7 illustrates a second alternate embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 8 A and FIG. 8B illustrate alternate locomotion means for the pet amusement object
- FIG. 9 illustrates an additional alternate locomotion means for the pet amusement object.
- an interactive pet toy 5 is shown, according to the present invention, comprised of a housing 10 formed so as to represent a slice of Swiss cheese.
- a housing 10 formed so as to represent a slice of Swiss cheese.
- other shapes for the housing 10 including but not limited to, dog houses, bird houses, bones, animal or cartoon figures, boxes, or any other shape with which an animal, in particular, a domestic pet, such as a dog, cat, or hamster may interact.
- the housing 10 is comprised of a hollow top 10 a and a hollow bottom 10 b , wherein the top 10 a has ridges 10 c along an inner surface thereof which match up with corresponding grooves 10 d along an inner surface of the bottom 10 b , thus allowing the top 10 a and bottom 10 b to be fittingly joined.
- the top 10 a and bottom 10 b are held together via an adhesive, thus forming a housing 10 being closed on all sides, except for an opening 14 in one end thereof.
- the housing 10 is substantially solid except for the cavity 11 which accommodates the pet amusement object 12 .
- the housing 10 may be formed as a single piece or may be comprised of multiple pieces which fit together.
- the housing may be comprised of left and right halves which can be bolted together.
- the left and right halves may have corresponding grooves and ridges on inner surfaces thereof which match up when the halves are place together, and wherein such halves may be held together by clips, adhesives, cam action or other mechanical means.
- the opening 14 shown in the figures is circular in shape, but other geometric shapes are clearly within the scope of the present invention.
- An inside of the housing 10 comprises a cavity 11 coaxially disposed immediately behind opening 14 into which a pet amusement object 12 will fit.
- the pet amusement object 12 is illustrated as a toy mouse.
- the toy mouse resides within a housing 10 shaped like a wedge of Swiss cheese.
- Such housing 10 has depressions 11 a along its outer surface to resemble actual cheese.
- the housing 10 is also yellow or orange in color in order to further accentuate the appearance of a wedge of Swiss cheese.
- any type of pet toy object may be enclosed in any shape housing and that the housing 10 depicted in the figures is shown by way of example only.
- a pet toy object may take on many shapes, and simulations, such as other animals, cartoon characters, bones, balls, sticks, newspapers, slippers, balls of yarn, or a plethora of other shapes sparking interest in a pet.
- the pet amusement object 12 is a toy mouse similar to mouse described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 09/802,749 and 09/479,001.
- various other toys may be attached.
- snacks, such as bones or pet treats may also be attached to a locomotion means (to be described in greater detail below) to entice a pet to play with the interactive pet toy 5 .
- the pet amusement object 12 may be removable, so that the pet may play with different objects in conjunction with the interactive pet toy described herein.
- the interactive pet toy 5 further comprises a means of locomotion for the pet amusement object 12 .
- the locomotion means 20 causes the pet amusement object 12 to extend outside of the housing 10 and to retract back into the housing 10 .
- the extension and retraction of the pet amusement object 12 is the focus of the interactive pet toy 5 .
- the locomotion means 20 comprises a support carriage 60 defined as having U-shaped configuration.
- the support carriage 60 includes a convex channel 61 having an upper surface upon which a bottom 12 a of the pet amusement object 12 is affixed.
- the support carriage 60 further includes a pair of track arms 62 extending perpendicularly from outer sidewalls thereof.
- the track arms 62 are designed to slidably engage corresponding elongated slots 66 extending linearly down opposing sidewalls within the cavity 11 .
- Each track arm 62 includes a guide arm 64 being vertically oriented with respect thereto, which provides a contact surface 65 against which the sidewall of the cavity 11 engages, thus preventing lateral movement by the support carriage 60 during propulsion and retraction of the toy mouse.
- the locomotion means 20 further comprises a series of bellows which utilizes air in order to push the toy mouse into and out of the housing 10 .
- An external bellows 21 having an accordion shape, is used to force air through an elongated, flexible tube 23 to an internal bellows 22 which is connected to a rear portion of the pet amusement object 12 .
- the internal bellows 22 is defined as having an accordion shape and is smaller in size than the external bellows 21 .
- the internal bellows 22 has a forward end connected to the rear portion of the pet amusement object 12 via adhesive.
- the mechanical means chosen for connecting the pet amusement object 12 and the internal bellows 22 is meant merely as a suggestion, and is in no way limiting.
- the pet amusement object 12 may alternatively include an air-tight threaded attachment integrally formed at the rear portion thereof which is designed and configured so as to mate with a complementary threaded attachment of the internal bellows 22 .
- the pet amusement object 12 may incorporate a projection on an end thereof for slidable engagement within the forward end of the internal bellows 22 , whereby the pet amusement object 12 and internal bellows 22 are held together through mechanical impingement.
- the only requirement for attaching the pet amusement object 12 to the internal bellows 22 is that the chosen means for attachment is such that a significant amount of air does not escape from the internal bellows when the external bellows 21 is compressed. Hence, substantially air-tight seals between the external bellows 21 , the tube 23 , the internal bellows 22 , and the pet amusement object 12 will achieve maximum functioning of the present invention.
- the tube 23 is connected at one end thereof to a forward end of the external bellows 21 via an adhesive, while an opposite end of the tube 23 is connected to a rearward end of the internal bellows via adhesive, wherein such connection being sealed air-tight so as to allow air flow between the external and internal bellows 21 , 22 , but preventing an escape of air therefrom.
- stopper elements 15 are provided inside a perimeter surface of the opening 14 .
- the pet amusement object 12 is prevented from extending any farther from the housing 10 .
- an electronic prerecorded sound device 70 is provided.
- the sound device 70 is held within an interior cavity 13 of the pet amusement object 12 .
- the sound device 70 includes a shaker barrel activator, a prerecorded sound chip and a source of electrical power, such as a battery.
- catnip or other pet attractive scent material can be placed in the interior cavity 13 , and the catnip, along with the outward appearance of the particular pet toy object, will attract pets, such as, for example, cats.
- the chosen shape would simulate natural prey animals for the pet, such as mice, birds, etc.
- the sound device 70 preferably emits a prerecorded sound in response to movement or propulsion/retraction of the pet amusement object 12 .
- a prerecorded sound is activated.
- This prerecorded sound can be a “permanent” prerecorded sound such as an animal's voice, such as “meow” or “purr,” a beeping sound, a human voice, laughter, such as “ha, ha, ha” or some other desired sound, or can be recorded, and re-recorded, as desired, by the user.
- the prerecorded sound may continue for a predetermined time period, for example five (5) seconds, and then stops or may continue as long as the sound device 70 is sensing motion of pet amusement object 12 .
- the pre-recorded sound is a simulated sound being reflective of the sound made by the natural prey, i.e., squeak for a mouse or chirp for a bird.
- the sound device 70 includes a battery compartment 72 holding a plurality of replaceable batteries.
- the sound device 70 also includes a speaker (not shown) positioned within the housing 10 .
- a plurality of speaker holes 74 are provided to better allow the sound to propagate from within the housing.
- FIG. 6 illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention.
- the locomotion means is an electric motor 26 .
- the electric motor 26 is mechanically connected to the pet amusement object 12 b .
- the motor 26 is electrically connected to a power supply controller 28 .
- the pet owner controls the power supply controller 28 .
- the operator may be able to select the direction of the toy-like object to move forward out of the housing or backwards into the housing.
- a timer may also be provided with the electric motor 26 to extend and retract the pet amusement object 12 b on a periodic basis to engage the pet.
- FIG. 7 A third embodiment of the locomotion means is illustrated in FIG. 7 .
- This means consists of a wire 32 enclosed in an outer casing 34 .
- the wire 32 is connected to a handle 38 at an end away from the housing.
- the handle 38 may have a spring 33 between it and the outer casing.
- the end of the wire 32 opposite the handle 38 is attached to the pet amusement object 12 c .
- the spring 33 is compressed against the outer casing 34 .
- the wire 32 is rigid, such that the action of pressing the handle 38 forward, forces the pet amusement object 12 c forward out of the housing.
- the spring 33 also releases and the wire 32 and handle 38 move backwards, and the pet amusement object 12 c moves backward into the housing.
- FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate another locomotion means for the pet amusement object 12 in the present invention.
- the pet-amusement object 12 d is connected to a rack 50 .
- a mating gear or pinion 52 meshes with the rack 50 to move the pet amusement object 12 d into and out of the housing 10 .
- the gear 52 may be operated by a variety of mechanical means.
- a reel or pulley system may be used wherein a reel handle 46 is used to turn a cable 48 or other connector which is connected to the gear 52 .
- Other known mechanical means may be used to turn the gear mechanism to move the rack 50 and thus the pet amusement object 12 d.
- FIG. 8B shows another rack and gear type mechanism.
- a screw-like gear 42 is connected to a handle 40 .
- the screw-like gear 42 meshes with threads on a rack 44 which is connected to the pet amusement object.
- the screw-like gear 42 rotates to move the rack 44 and thus the mouse out of and back into the housing, depending on the direction in which the handle 40 is turned.
- FIG. 9 A fifth embodiment of the locomotion means associated with the present invention is shown in FIG. 9 .
- This embodiment uses a light sensor or “electric eye” device 56 that is sensitive to motion or light.
- One type of motion or light sensitive device is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/778,543.
- the motion or light sensitive apparatus 56 is electrically connected to a motor 58 which is connected to a power supply 60 .
- the motor 58 is mechanically connected via attachment member 62 to the pet amusement object 12 e .
- the device may operate as follows: the toy-like object 12 e is extended out of the housing. When the device senses that an owner's pet is near the opening of the housing 10 , it will communicate with the motor 58 to retract the pet amusement object 12 e back into the housing 10 .
- the sensor 56 When the pet backs off, the sensor 56 will communicate with the motor 58 to extend the pet amusement object 12 e out of the housing again. This stimulates interaction with the pet as it tries to catch the pet amusement object 12 e while it is extended.
- the device may also operate in the opposite direction.
- the pet amusement object 12 e can extend various distances out of the housing and that the distance that the object may extend may be adjustable.
- the disclosure is intended to describe preferred embodiments of the present invention.
- the user manually compresses the external bellows 21 causing air to be forced into the internal bellows 22 via the tube 22 .
- the internal bellows 22 expands, thus propelling the mouse forward and out of the cavity 11 of the housing 10 , and in turn, actuating the sound device 70 to emit the natural sound of the selected prey.
- the air is forced to flow from the internal bellows 22 back into the external bellows 21 via the tube 23 , thereby causing the mouse to retract back into the cavity 11 of the housing 10 .
Abstract
Description
Claims (18)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/206,645 US6571742B1 (en) | 2001-08-17 | 2002-07-26 | Interactive pet toy |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US31317801P | 2001-08-17 | 2001-08-17 | |
US10/206,645 US6571742B1 (en) | 2001-08-17 | 2002-07-26 | Interactive pet toy |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US6571742B1 true US6571742B1 (en) | 2003-06-03 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
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US10/206,645 Expired - Lifetime US6571742B1 (en) | 2001-08-17 | 2002-07-26 | Interactive pet toy |
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US (1) | US6571742B1 (en) |
Cited By (30)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050150468A1 (en) * | 2002-03-26 | 2005-07-14 | Fleischhacker Theresa R. | Cat toy |
US6945195B1 (en) | 2004-04-28 | 2005-09-20 | Mpdi | Animal entertainment device |
US20050241595A1 (en) * | 2003-02-04 | 2005-11-03 | Moulton Reynolds E Iii | Self-propelled pet toy |
EP1602275A1 (en) * | 2004-05-26 | 2005-12-07 | Sharon A. Ritchey | Pet toy |
US20060011145A1 (en) * | 2004-07-15 | 2006-01-19 | Lawrence Kates | Camera system for canines, felines, or other animals |
US20060011144A1 (en) * | 2004-07-15 | 2006-01-19 | Lawrence Kates | Training, management, and/or entertainment system for canines,felines, or other animals |
US7320296B2 (en) | 2004-04-28 | 2008-01-22 | Mpdi | Animal entertainment device |
US20090036805A1 (en) * | 2007-08-03 | 2009-02-05 | The Purrfect Device Inc. | Method and Apparatus for Providing an Animal Vocalization Driven Massage Device |
US20090151643A1 (en) * | 2007-12-14 | 2009-06-18 | Darryl Hodgins | Treat-Dispensing Tug Toy |
US7631617B1 (en) * | 2007-10-01 | 2009-12-15 | Ourpet's Co. | Retractable pet toy |
US8109239B1 (en) | 2008-05-13 | 2012-02-07 | Ourpet's Co. | Interactive pet toy having extendable and retractable flexible target |
USD656688S1 (en) * | 2011-04-21 | 2012-03-27 | Charles Alfred Viola | Pet feeder toy |
USD656689S1 (en) * | 2011-04-21 | 2012-03-27 | Charles Alfred Viola | Pet toy feeder |
USD667637S1 (en) * | 2009-12-03 | 2012-09-25 | Target Brands, Inc. | Material with bubble pattern |
US20130032096A1 (en) * | 2011-08-04 | 2013-02-07 | The Kyjen Company, Inc. | Pop up tennis ball pet toy |
US8393300B2 (en) | 2010-12-09 | 2013-03-12 | The Kong Company, Llc | Pet toy with flexible body and rope support configurations |
US8474409B1 (en) * | 2007-08-17 | 2013-07-02 | Ourpet's Company | Ultrasonic stimulating pet toy |
CN103340163A (en) * | 2013-07-05 | 2013-10-09 | 长兴华宝宠物玩具有限公司 | Pet toy |
US8978586B1 (en) | 2012-05-23 | 2015-03-17 | Classic Brands, LLC | Wild bird feed dispenser with squirrel-resistant mechanism |
US20150201586A1 (en) * | 2013-12-17 | 2015-07-23 | Meghan Wolfgram | Lure chasing system |
USD789621S1 (en) | 2016-01-07 | 2017-06-13 | Classic Brands, LLC | Hummingbird feeder |
FR3055520A1 (en) * | 2016-09-05 | 2018-03-09 | Pascal Valmyre Christian Lescroart | DIISPOSITIVE TO PLAY WITH A CAT WITHOUT RISK OF SCRATCHES OR BITS |
USD830008S1 (en) * | 2015-04-09 | 2018-10-02 | Radio Systems Corporation | Cat activity toy |
CN109392753A (en) * | 2018-11-30 | 2019-03-01 | 马耀民 | Bionic toy |
USD848082S1 (en) | 2014-12-06 | 2019-05-07 | Radio Systems Corporation | Automatic ball launcher |
US10477837B1 (en) | 2015-02-06 | 2019-11-19 | Radio Systems Corporation | Cat activity toy |
US10625135B2 (en) | 2014-12-06 | 2020-04-21 | Radio Systems Corporation | Automatic ball launcher |
USD901101S1 (en) * | 2019-03-29 | 2020-11-03 | Royal Pet Incorporated | Cat toy |
US10869461B1 (en) * | 2017-10-23 | 2020-12-22 | Cosmic Pet LLC | Interactive reciprocating pet toy |
US11297801B2 (en) | 2013-12-17 | 2022-04-12 | Swift Paws, Inc. | Lure chasing system |
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US20050150468A1 (en) * | 2002-03-26 | 2005-07-14 | Fleischhacker Theresa R. | Cat toy |
US20050241595A1 (en) * | 2003-02-04 | 2005-11-03 | Moulton Reynolds E Iii | Self-propelled pet toy |
US7320296B2 (en) | 2004-04-28 | 2008-01-22 | Mpdi | Animal entertainment device |
US6945195B1 (en) | 2004-04-28 | 2005-09-20 | Mpdi | Animal entertainment device |
EP1602275A1 (en) * | 2004-05-26 | 2005-12-07 | Sharon A. Ritchey | Pet toy |
US7861676B2 (en) | 2004-07-15 | 2011-01-04 | Lawrence Kates | Training guidance system for canines, felines, or other animals |
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